CENTRAL Victorians can return to fossicking for gold after Victoria's chief health officer eased COVID-19 restrictions on outdoor recreational activities.
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Recreational prospectors are allowed to search for minerals and gemstones in groups of up to 10 people, while maintaining physical distancing of 1.5 metres between participants.
Fossickers should ensure they can get to and from their location within a day, as camping and overnight stays are not permitted.
Fossicking is permitted in state forests and regional parks, some national parks, state parks and waterways.
It is also allowed on private property, provided you have permission of the landholder.
In Victoria, recreational fossickers must possess a miner's right.
A miner's right is valid for 10 years and can be purchased online at earthresources.vic.gov.au
Earth Resources Regulation inspectors will be out checking licences and ensuring recreational prospectors are doing the right thing.
Penalties for not adhering to the conditions of a miner's right can result in fines of up to $16,000.
People are urged to report illegal activity to Earth Resources Regulation on 1300 366 356 or by contacting Victoria Police.
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